OTTAWA—CPIA has asked the federal government to include an employer tax credit for training staff in the next budget. The association asked for the measure in its submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance in August. The Committee is consulting various groups to get their input before a federal budget is drafted. CPIA asked for the credit on the basis that since the federal government has extended the capital cost allowance, businesses need to properly train staff on the new equipment they're purchasing. That can put a strain on operations as it takes staff away from their jobs, creating expenses and disruptions.  No such measure currently exists.

The second reccommendation in the submission dealt with asking the federal government to provide effective and concrete measures to help struggling firms get back on their feet.

The federal budget is expected early next year.